Arm pump surgery for Jack Miller and Iker Lecuona

MotoGP riders Jack Miller and Iker Lecuona have both undergone arm pump surgery following forearm issues with at the opening Qatar rounds.

"I started to suffer from arm pump on the right-hand side," Miller said after dropping from fifth to ninth in the closing laps of Sunday's Doha round, matching the position he had finished after tyre problems in race one. "I also had a bit of arm pump last week as well.

"I couldn’t feel the brake lever the last 4 laps. I want to be able to push all the way until the end and be physically fine. I also lose the contact with the throttle, how smooth I can open it.

"I don’t want to have another race like that. So we’ll probably try to get something sorted this week.

"I’ve had a different treatment in the past – like an electronic treatment with a needle, where they break down the fascia [membrane encasing the muscle]. It’s about time [I had the operation]…"

The Factory Ducati rider duly travelled straight to the Dexeus University Hospital in Barcelona where he was immediately examined by Dr Xavier Mir (director of the institute's Upper Limb Unit).

After undergoing an MRI at rest and one under strain, it was decided to perform surgery immediately, on Tuesday evening, to restore the forearm's vascular and nerve activity to normal.

The Australian will spend 24 hours in hospital, and then he will be able to begin rehabilitation with the aim to be on track for next weekend's Portimao round.

"It was a short operation, and it went very well. I can't wait to start the rehabilitation," Miller said.

"There are still ten days left before the next Grand Prix at Portimão. If my recovery proceeds normally, I'll be able to be back on track in Portugal, even if not completely at my 100% fitness.

"I want to thank Dr Mir and all his team of the Dexeus Hospital for their availability and all the care they have given me".

Lecuona had already taken the decision to undergo surgery before leaving Qatar, where he crashed out of the opening round and finished 17th in Sunday's race.

"Iker is going to have an operation of his right arm due to an arm-pump issue. Hopefully, we will forget about this problem, that has been holding him to have a more stable pace in the races," said Tech3 boss Herve Poncharal.

Lecuona underwent his operation in Valencia.

"Very happy! Fully successful operation. Thanks to Dr. Eduardo Sánchez Alepuz and his team for the care received at the IMED Valencia Hospital," Lecuona tweeted.